UK government refuses slavery reparations as Jamaica urges king to act

Britain expresses sorrow over slavery, but rejects financial compensation.Published On 7 Sep 20267 Sep 2026The United Kingdom’s government has reiterated that it rejects reparations for Britain’s role in the transatlantic slave trade as Jamaica has petitioned King Charles III over the issue.Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s spokesperson said on Monday that “the UK does not and will not pay reparations”.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Slavery reparations are just, but who exactly owes whom?list 2 of 3The myth of white Argentina still shapes the nationlist 3 of 3Why Accra slavery reparatory justice meeting mattersend of listSuccessive British governments have refused to engage in discussions about slavery reparations, while accepting that the country significantly benefitted from the trade.UK leaders have previously acknowledged the horrors of slavery and continue to do so, but have never formally apologised for Britain’s role in sustaining it.Burnham’s spokesperson labelled the practice as “abhorrent”, but maintained that position and insisted no compensation will be paid.A delegation led by Jamaican Culture Minister Olivia Grange delivered a petition to Buckingham Palace ...